Salmon River Guides kick off the Idaho White Water Rafting Season

While we are loving Stanley, Idaho's cool, wet spring conditions. SAC guides have been taking advantage of Utah's warm desert canyons. Cataract Canyon is a great way to kick it off the rafting season. Some of the largest rapids on the entire Colorado River are found deep within Cataract. Now add 30,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) of water and you have some stomping whitewater.

Beach-front accommodations at the Rio Colorado




SAC guides Jenna and Johnny keep'n it real
Thomas, Matt & Greg

This week the SAC Crew will head north to join me on Sawtooth Adventure Company's Annual Training Trip. We will run Idaho's Salmon River of No Return at what could be very high flows. During this 6-day training course SAC guides will receive a refresher on River Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, Emergency Protocol, Area History, and all of the SAC systems. The entire week is a team building experience and an invaluable tool towards employing hard working, happy, fun, smart and safe guides for the 2009 rafting season

The season kicks off this week. Stay tuned for regular updates, announcements, and a glimpse of what its like to live, work & play in Stanley, Idaho and on Idaho's Main Salmon River

Unlike the economy, the snow pack and weather conditions could not be better. It is going to be a great summer for rafting on the Salmon River

Come see us in Stanley,

Jared

50% off at the Sun Valley Lodge

Hello SAC Friends,

Being in the travel and tourism industry I receive hundreds of travel deals a year. Some are better than others. This 50% off deal at Sun Valley Lodge is not only unheard of, but one of the best deals I have seen in years!

Hundreds of our summer rafting guests stay at the Sun Valley Lodge while exploring this amazing part of central Idaho. There can be only one original. And since 1936, Sun Valley has held that distinction. Born out of a desire to bring the magic of the European ski resorts to America, Sun Valley quickly became a phenomenon, without peer on this continent or any other. Sun Valley's nearly one million acres of wilderness promise long sunny days, bright starry nights and a resort experience that your family will cherish for generations.

Time is of the essence. The 50% off sale is for this weekend only. Hurry and book your vacation in paradise. Remember, now that you have saved hundreds of dollars on your accommodations, give us a call to book a very reasonably priced, fun and safe rafting trip on Idaho's Salmon River. Our 1-day trips start one (very scenic) hour north of Sun Valley, Idaho

An excellent snow pack in the Sawtooth Mountains guarantees a great rafting season . I look forward to seeing you and your family this summer in Stanley, Idaho.
Jared, SAC owner

Chinook Salmon return predicted for Idaho's Upper Salmon

Looks like a great year ahead for our endangered Chinook Salmon. These magical fish return from their epic journey each summer to the Sawtooth Valley. These massive fish have avoided commercial fishing in the Pacific on there way to Japan and back to the Columbia river. They laboriously travel upstream through 3 different rivers, over 600 miles and through 8 dams to spawn within meters of where they were born 4 years earlier. Simply amazing!

Join Sawtooth Adventure Company Aug 28-September 2nd and experience the educational and awe inspiring experience of floating the Salmon with these huge, magical fish. Stay tuned for additional Salmon facts throughout the summer season.

Salmon River, Idaho Snowpack

Last week I headed up to Stanley to attend the Stanley/Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce meeting and check out the Salmon River snow pack. Spring has been slow to return to the valley, but came with a vengeance last week. Temperatures approached 70 degrees and spiked the river to 5.5 ft. on the Yankee Fork gauge. Downstream the Salmon River of No Return swelled to 35,000 cfs at the Whitebird gauge. Current estimates have the Salmon River Snowpack at 93% of normal. Don't worry, the current forecast calls for cold weather and snow for the next week. Great news for the river community and could swing us back towards 100% . The season for rafting the Salmon River is just around the corner. Are you ready?

Shotgun Rapid (Class IV) at 4.5 feet (medium low level)

on the Salmon River near Stanley

A few of Stanley's year-round residents relax and take in the sun.

Classic Sawtooth Scenery

Spring Sunset

Top of Galena Summit looking north towards Stanley

Time to go rafting in Moab, Utah

While Stanley, Idaho is still a winter wonderland, Spring is going off in Moab, Utah.

SAC guides are heading south to catch the deserts runoff and polish their skills for the upcoming Idaho rafting season. The Moab trails are in great shape, perfect training for a summer of mountain biking in Idaho.

Ample snow pack and a warm weather has the big, fun desert rivers of southern Utah in prime condition. Check out Red River Adventures, a well run Moab rafting company with great guides and family friendly activities. In addition to Rafting and Kayaking the Colorado, they offer a great Moab canyoneering experience that is fun and safe introduction to the amazing slot canyons of Arches National Park.